Leaders reject rotten Irish potatoes meant for Chihe Wetland Reformed farmers

By Alex Gahima

A total of 26 sacks of Irish potatoes were yesterday rejected by Kisoro district agricultural department after 10 bags were found to be completely rotten.

The Irish potatoes were meant to benefit 26 individuals belonging to the Chihe Wetland Reformed farmers. The group formerly used to grow yams in the wetland however they complied with Government directive to leave the wetland.

Kisoro district Senior Environmental Officer Judith Muja said the beneficiaries will get better Irish potatoes, pigs and pigs before December 25^th 2021( Christmas day)

Under an eight year project titled, Building Resilient Communities, Wetland Ecosystems and Associated Catchments in Uganda, Chihe Wetland reformed farmers will continue to be supported.

Muja noted that the project will continue to support communities along the Lake Mutanda- Mulehe eco system.

She further advised farmers to avoid cultivating in the wetlands and maintain a distance of 200 meters from the shore line to ensure that the fish in the lakes can increase.

The initiative aims at restoring wetlands and increase resilience of ecosystems and communities living around the wetlands, and is being funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The Multi-sectorial project is expected to directly benefit up to 800,000 people in 20 districts of East and South Western Uganda. It will also target to restore 64, 370 hectares of Wetlands and 11,630 hectares of Catchments.